CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM - SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA - AFGHANISTAN

SCOTT A INNIS

Technical Sergeant Scott A. Innis distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as a Combat Control Journeyman, 22nd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron, 16th Expeditionary Special Operations Group, Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component, Special Operations Command Central, Afghanistan on 28 March 2006.

In support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Sergeant Innis and the other members of his elite Army Special Forces Detachment, located at a firebase in a heavily contested region of Afghanistan, were suddenly engulfed in a hailstorm of rocket propelled grenade, mortar, heavy machine gun, and small arms fire from three sides.

Fully exposed to enemy fire and with total disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Innis scaled a ladder to an observation platform stationed at the center of the small firebase. The field-expedient plywood observation tower was the only structure visible to the outside perimeter and a magnet for the bulk of the enemy fire. Despite dwindling cover, he remained perched above the battle guiding a devastation aerial counterattack.

A marked man, the enemy quickly zeroed in on his position and was committed to killing him. Yet, with enemy rockets and small arms fire passing with mere inches of his exposed head and body, he continued to perform his duty, successfully utilizing his vast airmanship skills to neutralize his enemy.

During the 24-hour pitched battle, Sergeant Innis defeated the enemy through decisive use of airpower that resulted in the death or injury to over 100 insurgents.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Innis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.